GCSE Computing - Revision questions, deck 2

Question 1

Describe how an interpreter translates the high level code to machine code

Answer 1

Translates one line of HL code at a time and executes it. The interpreter stops when it finds an error.

Question 2

State the name of a different type of translator, other than an interpreter, which can be used to translate high-level code to machine code.

Answer 2

Compiler

Question 3

State what is meant by a real number?

Answer 3

A number which can contain a fractional part

Question 4

State what is meant by an integer?

Answer 4

A whole number

Question 5

State whether the operation below use sequence, selection or iteration.Performing a series of different set-up operations when the computer is switched on

Answer 5

Sequence

Question 6

State whether the operation below use sequence, selection or iteration.Deciding whether to use the DayTimeRate or EveningRate functions to calculate a customer’s fare.

Answer 6

Selection

Question 7

State whether the operation below use sequence, selection or iteration.Beeping repeatedly after a message is sent, until the driver presses a button to show that the message has been read.

Answer 7

Iteration

Question 8

Bytes, Kilobytes and Megabytes are units used for the amount of data stored in a computer.State which of these units is most appropriate for the following item of dataA one page text document?

Answer 8

Kilobyte(s)

Question 9

Bytes, Kilobytes and Megabytes are units used for the amount of data stored in a computer.State which of these units is most appropriate for the following item of dataA ten minute movie clip?

Answer 9

Megabyte(s)

Question 10

Bytes, Kilobytes and Megabytes are units used for the amount of data stored in a computer.State which of these units is most appropriate for the following item of dataA person’s surname

Answer 10

Byte(s)

Question 11

A computer has a hard disk of 2 TerabytesHow much is this in Gigabytes.Note: You would be expected to show your working for this type of question.

Answer 11

Multiply by 1024/10002048/2000 (GB)

Question 12

Explain one reason why multi-tasking is needed in an operating system.

Answer 12

Allows more than one program to run (apparently) at the same time by sharing processor time / resources between the programs. This enables the user to be more productive.A good example of a situation where multitasking is required (e.g. cut from browser and paste in word processor).

Question 13

Describe what is meant by a variable.

Answer 13

A name or symbol which represents a value in a program. The name or symbol (variable) points to a memory location and the value stored in that location can be changed while the program is running.

Question 14

State two advantages of off-the-shelf software

Answer 14

Available now / the school will not have to wait Recommendations available / can see it working in other schoolsTried and tested / less likely to contain bugs (given how critical the application is) Costs less than custom-written / as the school does not pay for the full cost of development. More (third party) support / documentation

Question 15

State two disadvantages of off-the-shelf software

Answer 15

May contain features which the school does not need May not contain features which the school needs May not be compatible with school’s hardware May not be compatible with school’s processes Developer not available to make adjustments necessary

Question 16

What is the purpose of RAM in the computer.

Answer 16

Stores parts of the operating system currently used by the computer and also stores programs that are currently running. RAM also stores data that are currently used by the computer.

Question 17

Explain what is meant by virtual memory

Answer 17

A section of the hard disk is used to store items in RAM which are not being currently used.

Question 18

Mina upgrades the computer to 6GB of RAM.Explain how this upgrade will affect the performance of the computer.

Answer 18

The computer will be able to multitask more programs as there is more memory for programs/data to be loaded into. Programs will run faster due to less use of virtual memory.

Question 19

Explain the importance of compressing files when transmitting them via the internet.

Answer 19

It reduces the size of the file which needs to be transmitted and shortens download time. It also reduces Internet traffic (and hence probability of lost packets). Allows multimedia files to be streamed.

Question 20

Explain why hexadecimal numbers are often used to represent binary numbers.

Answer 20

Hex numbers are shorter/more memorable than equivalent binary numbers and can easily be converted to and from binary as each hex digit corresponds to 4 binary digits.